Tracy ‘T-Mac’ McGrady: NBA legend whose business ventures are people-oriented

Tracy Lamar McGrady, Jr., a symbol of basketball’s “golden era,” began playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) immediately after high school, drafted ninth by the Toronto Raptors in 1997.  However, his journey saw him evolve from a young talent playing low minutes to a celebrated icon, decorating his career with seven NBA All-Star appearances, scoring championships, and a most improved player accolade, culminating in his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. McGrady’s career was woven with threads of brilliance, beginning from the Toronto Raptors and then moving to the Orlando Magic in 2000 and then to the Houston Rockets in 2004. T-Mac, as he is fondly called, lighted up basketball courts with his amazing shooting prowess, earning him the legacy of being one of Basketball’s most versatile scorers and guards.

Post-retirement, McGrady’s life unfolded beyond the basketball court, with ventures that reflected his on-court creativity and determination. He even fulfilled a long-term dream of playing professional baseball, showcasing the spirit of a true athlete unbound by a single arena. Born, on May 24, 1979, in Bartow, Florida, into modest beginnings, McGrady’s ascent was fueled by his passion, determination, and the belief in his God-given talent, which was recognized at the Adidas ABCD Camp, launching him from obscurity to the zenith of high school basketball. His professional and personal life, marked by ventures into business and philanthropy, reflects a legacy not limited to basketball but expanded to touch lives and inspire dreams, embodying the essence of a legend whose influence supersedes the boundaries of basketball. Some of the ventures that have contributed to his $70 million net worth are stated below.

Family, entertainment, food…a great combo for long-lasting memories!

HomeCourt is a family-centered sports and entertainment-themed restaurant by Tracy McGrady, who invested in creating a space where memories are as integral to the menu as the food. This establishment not only seeks to serve exceptional culinary delights but also to establish itself deeply within the community fabric through meaningful contributions, embodying McGrady’s vision of a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. McGrady’s commitment to quality, service, and community engagement shines through HomeCourt, making it not just a restaurant but a beacon of his enduring legacy off the basketball court.

Wisdom from the wise: Seven1 by Tracy

Seven1 Sports Group and Entertainment, co-owned by Tracy McGrady and fellow ex-NBA player Jermaine O’Neal, signifies his transition into the realms of sports management and entertainment, with his profound insights from having an illustrious basketball career serving as an advantage to him. This venture is McGrady’s tribute to the game, providing a platform for athletes and artists to amplify their talents under his guidance and vision. Seven1 just furthers shows McGrady’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent, bridging gaps, and creating opportunities that extend beyond the game. Some of Seven1’s clients include Kaiden Rice, Aarman Franklin of the Denver Nuggets, Drew Timme of the Milwaukee Bucks, Logan Eggleston of Galatasary HDI Sigorta, among others.

Preserving the core of basketball

The Ones Basketball League (OBL) was founded by Tracy McGrady to recognise and celebrate basketball’s true essence and also the raw, one-on-one battles that highlight individual ability. McGrady’s investment in OBL has shown that McGrady is committed to preserve the core of basketball, offering a stage for untapped talent to shine and for fans to engage with basketball in an original, exhilarating format. Moreover, OBL is McGrady’s homage to basketball, reiterating his love for the game and his desire to contribute to its evolution and growth.

Inventing a more ‘SOLEcial’ way for worthy remembrance.

SOLEcial, a memorabilia app invested in and endorsed by Tracy McGrady, emerges as a digital sanctuary for collectors and fans, merging technology with passion. Through SOLEcial, McGrady extends an invitation to fans to own a piece of sports history, turning worthy remembrances into more than objects, but treasures of time and triumph. This platform is a reflection of McGrady’s understanding of the emotional value of sports artifacts, offering a space for memories to be cherished and shared. SOLEcial came into existence when a mutual friend of Tracy and Dubrey Black, a former player at Bowling Green State University, introduced them to each other and Black sold the idea of SOLEcial to McGrady convincing him to invest in it after which they launched it in 2021.

PRIZEPICKS Fantasy Sports.

PrizePicks, with Tracy McGrady as one of its supporters, revolutionizes the fantasy sports landscape, inviting fans to engage more deeply with the sports they love. It is a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platform that covers sports betting in a wide variety of leagues. Also, it is the largest independently owned Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platform in North America and is currently the closest legal alternative to legal mobile sports betting in the majority of the United States. Through McGrady’s involvement, PrizePicks becomes more than a game; it’s an experience, offering fans the thrill of prediction and participation.

DASDAK

Dasdak, a technology company McGrady has invested in, speaks to his vision of leveraging technology to enhance the human experience, particularly in crowded environments. However, through this investment, McGrady showcases his belief in innovation that serves people, making everyday interactions more efficient and enjoyable. Dasdak being a social commerce platform enabling businesses to offer mobile ordering and other mobile services to their customers represents McGrady’s commitment to forward-thinking solutions that anticipate and address the needs of the future.

BLUE-04

Blue-04 benefits from McGrady’s investment, drawing attention to the importance of health and hydration within the context of sustainable practices. Furthermore, McGrady’s involvement in Blue-04 underscores his dedication to wellness and environmental stewardship, reflecting his holistic approach to life beyond his athletic achievements. This investment is a reflection of McGrady’s commitment to promoting a healthier, more sustainable future.

Investing in THE BILOXI SHUCKERS

The Biloxi Shuckers counts Tracy McGrady among their investors, highlighting his passion for supporting sports at various levels. Through his stake in the Shuckers, McGrady extends his legacy into baseball, breathing life into the dreams of minor league athletes and the communities that support them. Moreover, this investment underlines McGrady’s belief in the power of sports to inspire, unite, and foster growth, proving his dedication to nurturing talent across the board.